METHOD FOR PRODUCING URANIUM OXIDE FROM URANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE, SILICON, AND A GASEOUS OXIDE

摘要

A method is disclosed for producing uranium oxide (22) which includes combining uranium tetrafluoride (10), silicon (12), and a gaseous anhydrous oxidizing agent (13) having a lower thermodynamic stability than any oxide of uranium produced. The combination is then heated (14) below the vapor point of the uranium tetrafluoride to sufficiently react the uranium tetrafluoride, silicon and the oxidizing agent to produce uranium oxide and a non-radioactive fluorine compound (16). The fluorine compound is then removed (18) and collected (20).